“Steve has done a very good job of bringing guys in,” Valentine said. “I think whoever it is, I’d be very confident with any of the guys on the staff.”

It is unclear whether two high-profile candidates will even have the chance to interview because Phillips seems to be moving so quickly. Gary Denbo, the Yankee hitting coach last year, has not interviewed, according to Cleveland general manager Mark Shapiro.

Denbo was unceremoniously axed after the Bombers’ bats went limp in the 2001 World Series. He is now an American League scout for the Indians.

Shapiro said Denbo “has a passion for hitting” and wants to return to a major-league hitting job, “but not at all costs.”

The Tribe GM would not comment on whether Phillips has requested permission to talk to Denbo but said the company policy is to allow for such requests.

Mike Easler, Mo Vaughn’s personal hitting guru, said he has not heard from Phillips. Easler had no further information, but Vaughn reiterated his desire to bring Easler aboard.

“I think he’s being good to Mike Easler, and that’s good,” Valentine said. “I don’t have a problem with it as long as it doesn’t affect the game.

“I’d be surprised if Mike Easler doesn’t talk to Steve, or vice versa.”